To restore or not to restore; that is the question!

[TAshcraft]

To restore or not to restore; that is the question.
My grandfather recently gave me the keys to his 1940 Ford Sedan Standard. I'm not a car buff but I am honored more than anyone can imagine. This beauty runs good and the body is in great shape. Should I replace some of the small things like the window handles, radio, antenna, stitch up the interior or just leave it alone? It has a 1950 Flathead from a Ford truck V8 85 Hp. Since some items have already been replaced in the past, will I be deducting some of its worth by replacing some of those parts that wil just look better new? I am NOT interested in selling it but obviously do not want to devalue the car by making unnecessary changes. Open to any and all input. Thanks, this is my first post.

[3738]

Drive it and enjoy it the way it is....

[Chris in MA]

If it aint broke (yet) dont fix it. Keep it, drive it, enjoy it. Got any photos?

C

[1949FORD]

Originally Posted by Chris in MA

If it aint broke (yet) dont fix it. Keep it, drive it, enjoy it. Got any photos?

C

i like Chris's thought on this. and again, any photos? i would love to see pics. im a huge fordor buff ha ha!

[MuskegonFlatheadFan]

Maintain it, and enjoy. It's very easy to invest more into a restoration that the value of the car.

[41ford1]

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X3 on Chris's comment. Take care of the important things first. Like brakes and steering. It sounds like it may be a good runner. If it is run it a while. If there are things that need attention they will show up soon enough. Deal with them as they happen.

[jim1932]

I went through a lot of these same thoughts. As long as you aren't doing something irreversible like copping or welding to the frame you won't devalue it much. Keep any part you take off. If the stuffing is coming out of the seat, sewing it up isn't hurting anything. Not like you are dropping mustang seats in it. Main thing is make it something you enjoy. Mouse piss smell isn't patina. Changing handles and stuff is pretty minor, you already said the motor isn't historically correct. You can't make everyone happy, do what makes the car enjoyable to you and your family.

[TAshcraft]

I have posted some pics on my profile album under The Ford.

[alan]

Leave it alone! If my Grandfather gave me a car that he had for 62 years I would cherish it and him. Do only what is necessary to make the car a safe, reliable driver and have fun. Oh don't forget to take him for a ride every now and then, bet his face would be beeming!

[Hamtown Al]

I'm with alan. Practice your driving until you are smooth as silk in starting, shifting, and stopping. Then take granddad for a ride and he'll be on cloud nine from watching you! Good luck and be safe. There is plenty of help at the Fordbarn to help deal with whatever comes up.

[Russ/40]

Wow, that is a very nice straight forty. Not original inside, so changes wouldn't change the degree of originality. Looks too good to change anything though.

[TobbyT]

You are honored to receive the car. Honor your Grandfather by driving it. Get involved with a local car club. Take the car and your Grandfather out to some local shows. You both will meet a LOT of wonderful people and have a ball !! It's not about winning a car show, it's about making memories.

[robert shreveport]

After looking at this car i would never touch it in respect for him. Truly a good looking old car. Enjoy it and cherish your grandfather as long as you can.

[FL&WVMIKE]

TAshcraft .............................
Nice looking 1940 Ford !
As Russ/40 stated, the interior has been replaced, so any fixing up, on the interior, that you do, will only help the car.
The car is a Standard. That is why there is only one tail-light. Personally, I would be thinking of installing a R/H tail-light, just for safty's sake. Those original tail-lights are not very bright, out in today's traffic.
MIKE

[Gumpy]

Originally Posted by 3738

Drive it and enjoy it the way it is....

I agree with this, often restorations take an enormous amount of time....and that means less drivin and enjoyment time....the older I get the more I enjoy these classics!

[59ab]

We all agree on this one! Enjoy and Maintain it. My Grandfather gave me His '50 Tudor. It is not as good as yours but I am proud to own it.
Eddie

[PeteVS]

Beautiful car!! Everything about it. I would, however, go with a second tail light.

[Chisel]

Beautiful car as is, just drive it.

[TonyM]

Good looking car. Welcome to FordBarn.

Good luck.

TonyM.

[1949FORD]

that is one sexy car man!